Garment with Knee Pads

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a pair of pants with pockets for holding various types of knee pads therein. Each of the pockets is positioned on the knee portions of the pants so that it is directly positioned over the wearer&#39;s knees when the wearer is wearing the pants. The side edges and the bottom edge of the pockets are stitched to the pants, leaving the top edge open. The pocket further includes a pocket flap that spans the top edge thereof. The upper portion of the pocket and the flap comprise fasteners that can engage so as to close the pocket and prevent the knee pad from escaping the pocket. In one embodiment, the interior of the pockets include a waterproof lining, so as to prevent the knee pad from coming into contact with moisture.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/888,599 filed on Oct. 9, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a protective garment. More specifically, the present invention pertains to improved work pants having pockets for holding knee pads therein. The pockets are positioned over the knee portion of the pants to directly align with the wearer's knees when worn. Knee pads may be removably inserted into the pockets so that different types of knee pads can be used, depending upon embodiment.

Certain occupations such as carpet layers or plumbers require the workers to kneel on the ground for an extended period of time due to the repetitive nature of the job. Kneeling on a hard surface can be uncomfortable, however, and puts excessive pressure on the knee. Putting excessive pressure on the knee irritates and thickens the bursa around the knee, which can cause bursitis of the knee, making it painful to bend or straighten the knee.

Some individuals utilize cushions or kneeler pads to alleviate the pain when kneeling on a hard surface, while other individuals prefer to utilize stools to sit low to the ground. Cushions and kneeler pads, however, must be separately carried, and are often bulky in size. Additionally, stools do not allow individuals to sit flush against the ground, which may be necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Accordingly, a portable device that allows individuals to comfortably kneel is desired.

The present invention relates to a garment with integrated pockets. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a pair of pants with a pocket on the front of each of the knee portions of the pants. Each pocket is adapted to receive a knee pad therein. The knee pad remains secured within the pocket via fasteners disposed on the upper portion of the pocket and the pocket flap. The knee pad may be composed of foam or similar material to provide cushioning. In some embodiments, the knee pad may further include a layer of Kevlar or carbon fiber to protect the wearer's knees when worn. Alternatively, the knee pad may comprise a therapeutic knee pad that can provide heat and/or cold treatments. The knee pad may be removably inserted into the pocket. In this way, the present invention is designed to increase the versatility of the pants by providing one that can be utilized with a number of different types of knee pads.

The interior of the pockets comprises a waterproof lining integral thereto. The lining may be composed of plastic or other suitable materials. The waterproof lining may be stitched to the interior of the pocket such that it is permanently affixed thereto and does not interfere with the normal usage of the pocket. The waterproof lining prevents water or moisture from permeating through the pocket. In this way, the lining helps protect the knee pad held within the interior of the pocket.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim pants with pockets for kneepads. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The prior art devices generally disclose pockets that are positioned near the knees for accepting a pad that provides cushioning to the knees when kneeling. These devices, however, do not disclose a waterproof lining and a closure at the top for use with a thermal pack or ice. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 3,168,746 to Smith discloses work pants with knee protectors. The pants include a pocket on each of the knee portions at the exterior of the garment. The pocket includes an opening along the upper edge thereof so that it can receive a knee pad therein. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,398 to Hennessey discloses safety pants with removable knee pads. The pocket comprises a closed lower end and an open upper end. The pocket can be stretched open so as to create more room for the knee pads inserted therein. The open upper end comprises fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners thereon for preventing the knee pads from falling out of the pocket.

The foregoing devices are directed to pockets without a pocket flap that can securely close the pocket. Thus, the foregoing Smith and Hennessey devices are inoperable to completely enclose the knee pads within the pocket. Additionally, Smith and Hennessey do not disclose waterproof lining in the interior of the pockets. In contrast, the present invention provides waterproof lining disposed in the interior of the pockets, wherein the waterproof lining is permanently affixed thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,839 to Vo discloses work pants with kneeling cushioning pockets. The work pants include a pocket near the knee portion, wherein the pocket is adapted to receive a cushioning pad therein. The cushioning pad may be secured within the pocket via a securement device. The cushioning pad is adapted to prevent the forming of wear holes within the knee portion of the pants. In contrast, the present invention comprises knee pads that can slide in and out of the pockets, wherein the knee pads remain secured within the pocket via fasteners disposed on the pocket flap and the upper portion of the pocket. Additionally, in some embodiments, the knee pads of the present invention may provide heat or cold therapy.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,370 to Warner discloses pants having a series of vertically overlapping pockets that are sewn about the knee portions of the pants. Each of the pockets comprises a hook and loop fastener on the upper end thereof. Furthermore, each of the pockets is adapted to receive a foam knee pad therein. The wearer of the pants can place the knee pad in any of the pockets to adjust the placement of the knee pad. The design and intent of the device of Warner, however, differ from the present invention in that the present invention comprises a single pocket disposed over each of the knee portions of the pants. The pocket and the knee pad of the present invention is dimensioned so as to span the entire knee portion. In this way, the present invention eliminates the need for the wearer to adjust the placement of the knee pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,920,902 to Crampton discloses work pants having flexible closed-cell knee pads attached thereto. Each of the knee pads include a rectangular piece of fabric that can be attached to the pants via adhesives. In contrast, the present invention comprises a pocket on each of the knee portions of the pants. The side edges and the bottom edge of the pocket are stitched to the pants, leaving the top edge open. The top edge provides access to the interior of the pocket, which is adapted to receive a knee pad therein. Thus, the knee pad of the present invention does not comprise adhesives, and is removably inserted into the interior of the pocket.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,081 to Torres discloses work pants with knee and shin protectors. The pants disclose a pair of round knee protective padding and a pair of elongated shin protective padding that can be removably inserted into an elongated pocket that extends down the pants legs. The present invention differs from the device of Torres in that the present invention provides pockets and knee pads that span only the knee portions of the pants. Thus, the present invention does not disclose pockets or padding that extends down the wearer's shins.

The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that none of the prior art devices disclose a waterproof lining and a pocket flap closure. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing pockets having waterproof lining stitched to the interior thereof. The pocket is adapted to receive a knee pad therein. In one embodiment, the knee pad may comprise a padded material, such as foam. In another embodiment, the knee pad may comprise a layer of Kevlar or carbon fiber so as to further protect the user's knees. In yet another embodiment, the knee pad may comprise an ice pack or a heat pack to provide cold or heat therapy to the wearer.

It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to pants with pockets for kneepads. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of pants with pockets for kneepads now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the same can be utilized for protecting the wearer's knees while in a kneeling position.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the garment is a pair of pants with pockets on the knee portions for receiving the knee pads therein.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads having pockets with waterproof lining therein.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the knee pads are composed of foam.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the knee pads comprise a hard shell that is composed of Kevlar, carbon fiber, or other suitable materials.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the knee pads are ice packs or heat packs to provide cold or heat therapy.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved garment with knee pads wherein the device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the present invention having pockets in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the present invention having pockets in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a close up side cross sectional view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the garment with incorporated knee pads. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to protect the wearer's knees while in a kneeling position. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front views of the present invention having pockets in a closed and an open configuration, respectively. The present invention comprises a garment having pockets on the knee portions thereof. In one embodiment, the garment comprises a pair of pants 21. The pants 21 may be a pair of work pants, overall pants, or the like. The pants 21 comprise knee portions 22 that directly align with the wearer's knees when the pants 21 are worn. Each of the knee portions 22 comprises a pocket 23 thereon. The pocket 23 may be composed of same material as the pants 21, or may be composed of a more durable fabric to withstand wear and tear from repeated kneeling over time.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket 23 comprises a rectangular shape with side edges 27, 28, and a bottom edge 29 opposite a top edge. The side edges 27, 28, and the bottom edge 29 are stitched to the knee portions 22 of the pants 21, leaving the top edge open. The top edge provides access to the interior volume of the pocket 23. The pocket 23 further comprises a pocket flap 24 disposed along the top edge of the pocket 23. As such, the pocket flap 24 spans the length of the top edge of the pocket 23. The pocket flap 24 comprises an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper edge is stitched to the pants 21 and the lower edge is free. Preferably, the pocket flap 24 is positioned so that the lower edge of the pocket flap 24 extends below the top edge of the pocket 23.

The upper portion of the pocket may comprise a fastener 31 thereon, wherein the fastener 31 is centrally located along the top edge. The fastener 31 on the upper portion of the pocket 23 is directly aligned with a matching fastener 32 that is centrally located on the underside of the pocket flap 24 so that the two fasteners 31, 32 can engage when the flap 24 is folded down. In this way, the pocket 23 can be securely closed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 31, 32 comprise hook and loop fasteners. In alternate embodiments, however, other types of fasteners such as zippers or buttons may be utilized.

Each of the pockets 23 comprises an interior volume for holding a knee pad 30 therein, which is inserted through the open top edge of the pockets 23. Preferably, the knee pad 30 is shaped similarly to the pocket 23. Accordingly, the knee pad 30 is rectangular in shape in the illustrated embodiment. It is contemplated, however, that the knee pad 30 may comprise a variety of shapes, depending upon embodiment. Additionally, the knee pad 30 is substantially flat so that it has a small profile when viewed from the side and does not protrude extensively outward. The knee pad 30 is composed of foam or other material that can provide cushion.

In some embodiments, the knee pad 30 may also comprise a hard shell that may be composed of Kevlar or carbon fiber, so as to further protect the wearer's knees when the pants 21 are worn. In yet another embodiment, the knee pad 30 may comprise an ice pack or a heat pack, so that the wearer can apply ice or heat to the wearer's knee for cold or heat therapy while wearing the pants 21.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a close up side cross sectional view of the present invention. The pocket 23 is affixed to the knee portion 22 of the pants. The pocket 23 comprises a waterproof lining 33 in the interior volume thereof. The waterproof lining 33 may be composed of plastic or other water impermeable material. The waterproof lining 33 may be preferably stitched or molded to the interior of the pocket 23 so that it is prevented from shifting and does not interfere with the usage of the pocket 23. The waterproof lining 33 of the pocket 23 can help protect the knee pad 30 that is enclosed within the pocket 23 by preventing water or moisture from permeating therethrough. In this way, the waterproof lining 33 can help prolong the usage of the knee pad 30. Furthermore, the waterproof lining 33 can prevent the wearer's knees from becoming wet from condensation when ice packs or heat packs are used as knee pads.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A garment with incorporated knee pads, comprising: a pair of pants having knee portions; each of front portions of said knee portions having an exterior pocket with a defined interior volume; said interior volume of said pocket having a waterproof lining; a knee pad removably positionable within said interior volume of said pocket. 2) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, further comprising a pocket flap having an upper edge and a lower edge; wherein said pocket flap is positioned above said pocket; said upper edge of said pocket flap stitched to said pair of pants; said lower edge of said pocket flap extending below a top edge of said pocket. 3) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 2, wherein each of an upper portion of said pocket and an underside of said pocket flap comprises a fastener; wherein said fastener of said upper portion and said fastener of said underside of said pocket flap are directly aligned and can engage to close said pocket. 4) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said waterproof lining is composed of plastic. 5) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said pocket is rectangular in shape. 6) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said knee pad is composed of foam. 7) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said knee pad comprises an ice pack. 8) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said knee pad comprises a heat pack. 9) The garment with incorporated knee pads of claim 1, wherein said knee pad is rectangular in shape. 